Adopting the same design philosophy as the W8L, the new system has been built without compromise, combining line array principles with classic horn loading techniques to provide a powerful compact enclosure with maximum dynamic impact. Utilising patentable driver loading techniques, vertically coupled waveguides and constant directivity horns has resulted in the W8LC being able to deliver a
level of efficiency and coverage consistency not usually associated in compact cabinets.

The three-way system comprises of a horn-loaded 12in LF (103dB@1W, 1m), twin 6.5in midrange (106dB @1W, 1m) and triple 1in HF horn (109dB@1W, 1m).

The 12in/3in coil neodymium driver is reflex-loaded to extend the LF output to below the natural cut-off point of the horn. This Hybrid™ technique marries the very high efficiency of horn loading with the extended low-frequency response of a reflex enclosure.

Martin Audio have been developing high-efficiency cone mid-range horns for over 20 years. The output of the twin horn loaded 6.5in mids is far superior, at 106dB, to typical cross-firing direct radiator mids with an average efficiency of 101-102dB. This means that with half the input power the W8LC mid-horn can produce a greater maximum SPL compared to four cross-firing direct radiators. Line array systems employing a single 10in direct radiator for the mid-frequencies fair no better,  being some 4-5dB down on the W8LC.

By refining the key midrange horn element to allow the mid/high crossover point to be shifted upwards, it has become possible to replace traditionally used large format compression drivers with smaller 1in-exit devices, producing a smoother and more consistent performance.

The W8LC employs an HF section comprising three 1in, low-curvature horn elements, which reduce distortion, improve dispersion and extreme HF performance, and are less susceptible to premature ageing.

In common with the W8L the W8LC has been deliberately designed asymmetrically; because the mid and HF horns are not fighting each other for a share of the same real estate they can be designed as completely separate devices to optimise their pattern control. In contrast, in a symmetrical design, with the HF section centred within the mid section, either the HF or mid section (or both) will be compromised.

As a result of this principle, the horizontal dispersion is a true 90°, running consistent throughout the mid and HF bands, creating a greater actual usable dispersion angle than other systems.

One critical element of the line array principle is its ease of flying. The proprietary rigging system of the W8LC is safe, quick to assemble and allows a wide range of array curvatures to be achieved.

The W8LC hinge point is at the front of the cabinet, which keeps the spacing between adjacent elements the same, irrespecive of splay angle. This makes a big difference as splay angle increases, usually towards the bottom of an array.

‘ViewPoint’, the Martin Audio Windows based programme designed to take the guess work out of arriving at the optimum curvature to achieve the most even coverage for a particular venue, now includes the W8LC and is part of the system package.